All About Virtual Numbers

What is a virtual number? We know, it sounds a bit strange. But Virtual Numbers are just like ordinary numbers except that the true origin or destination of the call is unknown.

Let us explain. Virtual numbers are also called non-geographical numbers (NGNs) in the UK and they are used to provide account holders with contact numbers that do not divulge their location.

For example, if you are a company with offices in London that outsources customer service work to India to save money, you may not want your clients to know about this. Therefore, you may decide to pay a little bit extra to obtain a virtual number.

The account holder is then free to redirect the virtual number or NGN to any other telephone number including international or mobile. This allows them to receive and place calls at different locations simultaneously.

You may ask, isn’t this a tad duplicitous? After all, you are essentially tricking customers into believing that native citizens are answering their calls,’ when in reality it is often foreigners.

But the truth is that companies are cognisant of the fact that while many consumers couldn’t care less who answers their calls, a few jingoistic, perhaps even xenophobic customers would hold that against the company, which would cause them to lose business.

It is also a fact that foreign firms are every bit as effective and efficient at their jobs as native ones, and since they are far cheaper, it’s a no-brainer why businesses choose to outsource certain services.